Foreigners' Street

Dali Ancient City, or the ancient town of Dali, was set up in 1383 in the Ming Dynasty. Dali has a history of more than 600 years.

When the city was first set up, it was entirely enclosed by the city walls on four sides and each side had a gate.

Over the years, the walls on the east and west sides were destroyed. Only the walls on the south and the north were destroyed. in 1983, the local government renovated the wall and the gate tower. On the tower, four Chinese characters are quite striking, meaning "Literary State". inside the gate, an old street, running from south to north, connects the south gate with the north gate.

The Foreigners' Street exemplifies Dalis internationalization. The Huguo Road, a 200-meter street running from west to east is jeweled with cafes and bars in various decors.

Visitors from all corners of the world enjoy lunch alfresco sunshine served on a traditional Dali blue and white tie-dyed tablecloth. Local senior ladies dressed in traditional Bai costumes hawk antique silverware on the street, and upon entering the art gallery visitors are fascinated by abstract paintings that speak of the world, its peoples and the convergence of their lives and cultures.

Foreign visitors usually stay here for at least six months, or until their pockets are empty, and only head back to the West to earn enough money for their next stay. Local people are accustomed to their migratory habits.

This ancient street was once a vital communications hub where the population was dense. Many trade caravans gathered here and the markets were prosperous. On both sides of the street, there were numerous shops, inns, tea houses and restaurants, very bustling and exciting.

The local government has given high priority to its preservation. So Dali Ancient City still remains its original looks. Now, the shops here mainly sell some locally-made handicraft articles: marble products, straw weaving wares, embroideries, wax printing clothes and other ornaments. Small retailers also sell some antiques, ancient paintings, old coins and silver wares.